IPL 2026 likely to run from March 26 to May 31

The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2026 season is most likely to run from March 26 to May 31, beginning just weeks after the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

The timeline emerged after a meeting between franchise representatives and IPL officials held in Abu Dhabi on Monday. While the dates were among the key points discussed at the pre-auction gathering, the question over the venue for the opening match remains undecided.

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IPL chief executive officer Hemang Amin confirmed the Season 19 window during a briefing ahead of Tuesday’s auction. As per tradition, the tournament usually opens in the home city of the defending champions, which has put the spotlight on Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

However, uncertainty surrounds the venue’s availability despite the Karnataka State Cricket Association receiving a conditional clearance from the state government, subject to strict safety and security compliance. The state’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, had recently said that the government wants IPL matches to be staged at the iconic stadium, but only after the necessary changes are implemented.

“We have decided on the IPL matches. We are positive. We have asked our Home Minister G Parameshwara to have a meeting with them (KSCA authorities). Parameshwara will discuss with the Cricket Association. The Home Minister will deal with it,” Shivakumar had recently said.

The hesitation over granting full clearance to the Chinnaswamy Stadium stems from the tragic stampede on June 4, when at least 11 people lost their lives and several others were injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory celebrations.

In the aftermath of the incident, the state government has consistently withheld permission for cricket matches at the venue, forcing the BCCI to relocate Women’s World Cup fixtures originally scheduled to be held in the city.